New program aims to save young or sick animals

MADACC, WHS develop joint foster care program

Two animal welfare organizations are collaborating on a new program to move more pets, especially young or sick animals, into foster care before being put up for adoption.

The Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission and the Wisconsin Humane Society have teamed up for "Home Stretch," a joint foster care program designed to save more stray animals in Milwaukee County.

"We are excited to partner with the Wisconsin Humane Society in an effort to save more of Milwaukee's stray animals, especially as our busiest season approaches," said Karen Sparapani, MADACC executive director.

Unclaimed strays at MADACC that are too young or too ill to be put up for adoption immediately will now be transferred to volunteer foster homes to recuperate. Once they are healthy, they will be placed in the adoption program at Wisconsin Humane Society.

MADACC already transfers thousands of animals to WHS and other rescue organizations every year. But animals that are sick pose special challenges, due to stress and the risk of illness spreading to other pets in the shelter.

"This program will allow sick animals to get well in foster homes before entering our adoption program, keeping WHS animals healthy and freeing up space at both MADACC and WHS to accommodate more animals," said Anne Reed, WHS executive director.

The success of the program will depend on how many people in the community are willing to become foster parents for needy animals, Sparapani said. The Home Stretch program is now accepting volunteer foster applications. Applications are available online at the MADACC and WHS websites.

People who can't foster can still help by making donations of pet food and non-clumping cat litter. They can also make donations online.

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